Lega Serie A ‘must have primary role’ in important reforms
Lega Serie A President Ezio Maria Simonelli warns the top flight clubs ‘must have a primary role’ in reforms after Italy’s World Cup flop and Gabriele Gravina’s resignation.
The failure to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off and therefore miss a third consecutive edition of the World Cup is prompting an inevitable earthquake in the Italian football authorities.
Federation President Gravina resigned today, followed by Italy delegation chief Gigi Buffon, and coach Gennaro Gattuso is expected to follow.
An election has been scheduled for June 22 to appoint a new FIGC President, and the 274 delegates will vote with a system that gives Serie A 18 per cent of the power in this decision.
There is also 6 per cent to Serie B, 12 per cent Lega Pro, 34 per cent for the Amateur League (LND), 20 per cent the Players’ Association, and 10 per cent the Coaches’ Association.
Lega Serie A wants to take charge
“As the Lega Serie A, we must have a primary role, acting as a guide for all the teams,” Simonelli told reporters.
“Like all fans, we are disappointed, but we need to work on reforms, youth, reinforcing the governance and patrimony of the clubs, so we can get back to the past glories.”
The Lega Serie A had fought the main reform proposed by Gravina, which was to reduce the top flight from 20 clubs to 18.
Several names have been mentioned to become the new FIGC President, but the favourite would seem to be ex-CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) chief Giovanni Malagò.
“We didn’t even talk about names during the meeting,” insisted the Lega Serie A President.